City Desk

SACRAMENTO, Calif.
-- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced on April 18, 2013 California’s National Mortgage Settlement Grant Program has awarded $9.4M to 21 organizations in order to assist Californians affected by the state’s foreclosure crisis. Grant recipients will begin to implement their programs immediately.

“The foreclosure crisis has inflicted deep and widespread harm on California homeowners and communities,” said Harris. “These grants will give homeowners and families the financial and legal tools they need to recover. ...Full story

OAKLAND, Calif.
-- Following the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s approval of the implementation of a paperless distribution process for the Alameda CTC Commission, Committee and Subcommittee meeting packets in in late March 2013, implementation of this policy is now underway. Alameda CTC is mailing out packets to its Commission Standing Committees and Community Advisory Committees in April 2013 to allow members the opportunity to notify Alameda CTC if they need to receive hard copy agenda packets. ...Full story

SACRAMENTO, Calif.
-- The Assembly Local Government Committee approved a bill by Assembly Member Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) on April 3, 2013 that would allow both Alameda and Contra Costa counties to put transportation measures on their ballots to boost investments in local infrastructure projects. AB 210 passed the committee 7-2 with bipartisan support and now heads to the Revenue and Taxation Committee.

“Even though Measure B1 in November 2012 barely came up short of the two-thirds threshold, it showed overwhelming support in Alameda County for investing in our roads, streets, BART and other transportation projects to meet the needs of local residents and businesses,” Wieckowski said. ...Full story

General Plan update
New topic added

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- A new topic has been added to www.Hayward2040.org. As the City of Hayward receives more feedback, we can refine the questions and obtain more specifics on the ideas and vision you have presented. This topic is about health and quality of life.

There are five questions that ask you to select your top choices. As always, the comment section allows you to tell us why you made those choices. Those comments are an invaluable source of details that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

So, please visit www.Hayward2040.org and tell us what you think. It’s quick and easy! Hayward will have a stronger General Plan because of your input. ...Full story

Safely dispose of unused prescription drugs
Medical waste and hypodermic syringes will not be accepted

UNION CITY, Calif.
-- Union City Police Department (UCPD) and the City of Union City, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is hosting a drop-off location to safely dispose of subsequently accumulated unwanted and unused prescription drugs on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Please note: medical waste and hypodermic syringes will not be accepted.

In the five previous Take-Back events, the DEA in conjunction with state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, have collected more than two million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications. ...Full story

Cookie

PLEASANTON, Calif.
-- Cookie would be a wonderful addition to any family. She is a SPECIAL girl and a SPECIAL NEEDS. Cookie is deaf, although it has not stopped her for a moment. She is a happy, healthy, loving, friendly pit bull that would make a wonderful family dog.

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) was so committed to this darling girl, they decided to put her into a foster home but to give her the very best chance in life, TVAR enrolled her at Diablo K-9 so she could learn all the needed obedience commands with her trainer Shane. ...Full story

Community assistance program
Assemblyman Bill Quirk's monthly surgery

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif.
-- Beginning Tuesday, May 7, 2013, a representative from Assemblyman Bill Quirk’s office will be available at the Castro Valley Library every first Tuesday of the month from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to help residents resolve California state-related issues. Assemblyman Quirk represents District 20 which includes Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Fremont, Hayward, San Lorenzo, Sunol and Union City.

The Assemblyman’s representative will work with you to help if you have a problem with a state agency, need legislative information, wish to know more about proposed legislation or just want to express your comments and concerns. ...Full story

Hayward La Honda Music Camp
Sign-up by May 1 for discounted rates

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- Hayward La Honda Music Camp celebrates its 52nd anniversary in 2013 and looks forward to welcoming students in grades 6-12 to a challenging and fun experience devoted to developing fine musicianship. The camp mission is to inspire young people to achieve their best musically, to enjoy a great social/recreational experience and take home memories that will last a lifetime. ...Full story

Gang awareness and strategies for parents

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center will host a “Gang Awareness and Strategies for Parents” workshop on April 23, 2013 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Hayward High School Library, 1633 East Avenue, Hayward. Former Sergeant Ted Muniz is the featured guest speaker.

All are invited, including students and parents, to join in this important discussion to learn about and discuss smart, realistic and positive ways to address gangs with your youth. Dads/adult male role models and young men/sons are encouraged to attend and will receive a special incentive.

Refreshments, free childcare and English/Spanish translation will be provided. ...Full story

Volunteers needed for Citywide Clean-Up Day
Hoping to recruit more than 200 volunteers

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- The City of Hayward’s annual Citywide Clean-Up Day will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 8 a.m. to Noon. Clean-Up Day is an opportunity for all ages to volunteer and help clean-up neighborhoods across the City.

Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. in Weekes Park for initial registration and then spread out across the City to pick up trash and litter. All clean-up supplies will be provided. At the end of the event, all volunteers will be treated to a free BBQ lunch and “thank you” gift.

The City is hopes to register 200 volunteers for this year’s Clean-Up Day. Last year’s event drew 200 volunteers and was a great success! Volunteers can register online at www. ...Full story

Nixle comes to Hayward

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- The City of Hayward and Hayward Police Department are pleased to announce that beginning April 15, 2013, up-to-date information of critical importance and/or interest to the community will be available to all registered participants through the use of the Nixle Community Information Service which will include a weekly “police blotter” and allow the City to send important, valuable information directly to the community when circumstances warrant it. Messages can be delivered instantly to subscribers via cell phone text messages and e-mail notifications and made available online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com. ...Full story

Meet your elected officials

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- Elected officials, representing the local communities of Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro and San Lorenzo, have been invited to “report to the residents” at a Meet Your Elected Officials forum on Friday, April 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The forum will be held at the Hayward City Hall.

Elected Officials from all levels of government have been invited: congressional, state senate and assembly districts, county supervisors, city councils, school boards, community college board and a multitude of special districts.

A representative from each board has been asked to present their board’s greatest accomplishment in 2012 and a major goal for 2013. ...Full story

Development opportunity near CSU East Bay

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- The City of Hayward and the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) are pleased to announce that they are seeking to discuss the development of two opportunity sites along Mission Boulevard, one of the East Bay’s major arterials, near the CSU East Bay Campus.

The two sites, which can be developed together or independently, present a unique opportunity for innovative density, open space and reshaping neighborhood character. ...Full story

Temporary lane closures at San Mateo-Hayward Bridge toll plaza
Be prepared for delays

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- Motorists may experience periodic delays at the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge toll plaza as Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) make temporary lane changes in order to install a new automated toll collection and accounting system.

During the weekend of April 20-21, 2013 the two FasTrak lanes (toll lanes #3 and #4) will be closed. FasTrak customers are advised to stay to the left and use toll lanes #1 and #2.

During weekdays, April 15-19, and April 22-26, one toll lane will be closed each day as workers complete upgrades in the remaining cash/FasTrak lanes (lanes #5 through #10). ...Full story

Ramirez is the Founder and President of Alameda Blue Star Moms/Chapter CA23. This non-profit has assisted hundreds of local military families with school supplies, toys for the holidays and coats and bicycles for children since 2009. It has provided resources for parents of deployed soldiers, returning veterans and supporters of military families.

“Julie Ramirez has distinguished herself as an active community resident and supporter of military families, including her own,” Corbett said. ...Full story

Love, belonging and the need for community

TRI-CITIES, Calif.
-- Join the Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR) Tri-Cities Chapter for their monthly luncheon at the Hilton Hotel, Newark, on April 17, 2013. Networking at 11:30 a.m.; program and lunch from noon until 1:30 p.m. The Chapter serves REALTORS in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward and surrounds. Membership is open to men, too.

Sahar Kordahi will help attendees discover new ways of Community Building. Learn the essential ingredients you need to create your very own collaborative community that will support you in your personal, professional, global and spiritual ways and how collaborations with others in business can help you generate more income. ...Full story

Seed lending library

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- Hayward Public Library will unveil a new Seed Lending Library on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Downtown Main Library. The “Hayward Seed Lending Library” will operate as a community seed exchange in which borrowers will be able to “check out” a wide variety of flower and vegetable seeds to plant in their gardens for home use. Seed library borrowers will also learn how to harvest seeds from the fully grown plants to return to the seed exchange.

The event marks the beginning of a four-week “Seed Read” Book-to-Action program to promote literacy, healthy living, sustainable gardening and access to locally grown fresh produce. ...Full story

Lori Taylor
New Economic Development Manager appointed

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- City Manager Fran David is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Lori Taylor as the new Economic Development Manager for the City of Hayward.

Taylor will lead the City's Economic Development Program, including implementation of the City’s new Economic Development Strategic Plan. Her team will oversee a range of programs designed to attract new businesses to Hayward and retain and expand existing businesses, as well as business events and promotion of Hayward’s many attributes as a highly desirable business location.

She has most recently served as Community Development Director for the City of Alameda. ...Full story

Apply for the Hayward Youth Commission

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- Applications are now being accepted from students interested in serving on the Hayward Youth Commission. The City of Hayward is looking for students eager to represent the interests, needs and concerns of the young people in the Hayward community and to provide input to the elected officials of the City of Hayward, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District and the Hayward Unified School District about services that affect youth. Youth Commissioner’s responsibilities include attending meetings the first and third Monday of each month from September to June, except holidays and working on special projects that address current issues. ...Full story

General Plan update

HAYWARD, Calif.
-- As part of the General Plan Update, the City of Hayward is looking for opportunities to improve the overall health and well-being of the community whose members are invited to participate in a workshop at City Hall to share their ideas about making Hayward a healthier place to live.